Diplomat’s Abduction Aggravates Iran-U.S. Relations

Iran says it is holding the United States responsible for the life and safety of an Iranian diplomat who was kidnapped Sunday. Iraqi officials say Jalal Sharafi was abducted by men wearing the uniform of a special unit under American command, but the U.S. has denied any involvement.

BBC:

Jalal Sharafi, the embassy’s second secretary, was abducted from his car on Sunday in central Karrada district by men wearing Iraqi army uniforms.

Iran condemned the kidnapping and said it held the US responsible for his life. A US military spokesman said no US or Iraqi troops were involved.

The news comes amid US-Iranian tension over Iranian activities in Iraq.

Last month in a dramatic pre-dawn helicopter raid, the Americans arrested five Iranians in north Iraq, prompting Iran to issue a formal protest to the US.

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Security checks have been stepped up since the abduction.